Internet Web Page Development Standards Design Rules

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The following rules apply to all web pages developed as part of the District 99 Internet presence. These rules ensure that all District 99 web pages conform to a basic set of standards promoting consistency and usability.

1. All pages and images must be given names which clearly identify them. The names of all documents (files) shall coincide with current District naming practices and structures.
2. The standard District navigation bar must be present at the end of all pages. This navigation bar identifies the page as belonging to District 99, contains a copyright statement, and provides high level navigation to all main locations in the District 99 hierarchy. The bar also includes a general disclaimer regarding links which cause the user to leave the District 99 hierarchy. A sample of the elements contained in the District navigation bar is identified below. The Specific A-H link entries may be user-defined based on the needs of the particular page. The date and email address referenced in the last updated on November 12, 1997 by Responsible Person phrase must be individualized for each page.

3. The date on which the page was last updated, plus the person responsible for that update must be present at the end of each page. An email link must also be provided to the person responsible for the creation and maintenance of the page. These items are part of the standard navigation bar.
4. All content of every page created as part of the District 99 web presence will be copyrighted as property of District 99. Be aware, however, that the Internet is an open domain where copyright laws can be easily broken. Do not publish material where access and usage should be limited.
5. Credit the appropriate source when using images or information from outside District 99. Copyrighted materials may not be published without obtaining proper permission.
6. The person responsible for the page is charged with its ongoing maintenance. This responsibility includes keeping all information on the page current and accurate. Internal and external links must also be checked regularly.
7. The majority of people accessing our web pages may only have standard 28.8 baud modem access. Pages must be developed in such a way as to minimize load time for these users. Access speed experienced in the District is many times faster than home access rates. As a rule of thumb, pages should load completely in less than 4 seconds when accessed at the District to ensure acceptable load time for home users.
8. Pages must be developed without a specific browser in mind. Pages must be tested with both the versions of Netscape and Internet Explorer in use in the District at the time the page is developed.
9. If links are to be made to sources outside the District, a disclaimer must be made about the contents of each external site. The person responsible for the web page must check such sites on a regular basis to make sure information is still relevant and available.
10. Before publishing original work, photographs, audio or videos in which future, current or former students or staff members are clearly identified by full name, clarity of image or voice, or both, the future, current or former student, parent or guardian, or staff member, as appropriate, must sign a release form. Release forms are available from the Associate Principal who oversees technology in each of the buildings.
    
    Beginning with the 1998-99 school year, a release form may be developed for use during the registration process, providing appropriate release for the entire school year. In this scenario, the staff member publishing student information need not complete a release form for each usage, but must inquire and verify the release status of the student.
11. Be aware that the Internet is an open domain. Reasonable care and consideration must be taken to protect the privacy of students and staff. If a release form has not been secured, students and staff may only be referenced by their first name.
12. To maintain a consistent and controlled District presentation, upper levels of the District 99 Internet hierarchy will be developed and maintained in a common manner. Upper level pages include the District page, building page, and pages one level below, e.g. department main pages. These pages represent the ‘trunk’ and ‘main branches’ of our tree. Consistency in layout, content, and functionality of these pages will be maintained. As other pages are developed, they will attach to these main pages at appropriate points.
13. Final decisions regarding building level web page content will rest with the building principal or his/her designee. Final District level web page decisions will rest with the Superintendent or his/her designee.